October 12, 2017 2:57 am

Running a successful business is no easy feat. But with today's heavy reliance on technology, businesses are at a higher risk than ever for falling prey to scams.

Businesses can use the following guidelines from the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities to help protect themselves from becoming the victim of an email scam:

Examine email addresses closely. Scammers may spoof emails to look very similar to a legitimate person's address.

Never transfer money without confirming the request, by phone or in person. Whether it is a matter of walking down the hall to the CEO’s office, or contacting a colleague via phone, confirmation from the person requesting the transfer can protect your company.

Do not use links or phone numbers provided in the email. Contact your trusted partners and colleagues using known contact information.

Think before you click! Do not open attachments or links until you have verified them.

Utilize your IT resources. Work with staff to flag emails with similar extensions to your organization's or create other flags and filters.

Implement two-factor or multi-factor authentication with sensitive information and funds. Require a second (or multiple) staff members to review and approve requests for fund transfers.